King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 8:2 Mean?
“And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.”
Context
1
Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.
2
And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3
And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.
4
And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2) **After the saying.**—*According to the word.***
In the land of the Philistines.**—The lowlands of the coast were not so subject to droughts as the limestone highlands of Israel. (Comp. Genesis 12:10; Genesis 26:1.) The Philistines, besides, dealt with foreign traders who put in to their shores. (Comp. Joel 3:4-6.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Kings 8:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Kings 8:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge